Security

Protecting your personal information

At Snagajob, we work hard to keep your information safe. That's why we screen each posting that comes through. If you're ever unsure of a posting on our site please email besafe@snagajob.com and we'll be happy to look into it for you. You can also check out a few of these safety basics that will remind you of best practices when searching for jobs online.

Keep an eye out for anything unusual

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a real job posting and a scam posting. After all, scammers tend to advertise jobs openings in the same places that legitimate employers do.

That's why we've put together some tips to help you keep your information safe during your job search. Watch out for these red flags and you will be able to tell the difference between a real job and a fake.

No work? No money.

Do not cash any checks or accept any money if you haven’t done any work. Job scammers often say they will pay you in advance for miscellaneous items like office supplies or personal items. These checks are not real and they will bounce. If you are unsure, you can always go to your bank and have them confirm the authenticity of the check.

Share your info wisely.

Applying to many legitimate jobs online requires you to provide a lot of information, like your address or Social Security number. Just remember, never give out your information through email or over the phone. And always check to make sure the site you are using to apply is secure.

Stay organized.

Some scammers will post a job under a legitimate company’s name, but then contact you as a different, fake company in the hopes you won’t remember all of the jobs you’ve applied to. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet that lists each position and company you send an application to and don’t respond to anyone unfamiliar.

Do your research.

If someone reaches out to you from a company you’ve never heard of, do a quick internet search to check them out to see if others have been scammed by them. Also, keep an eye out for people who do not have a company domain name in their email address, but instead use a free email service (e.g., XYZ@companyname.com vs. XYZ@gmail.com).

Be weary of IM interviews.

If the employer does not want to meet you face-to-face (whether in person or over video) this is good sign that the job is a scam. In addition, they’ll most likely hire you on the spot during the chat interview and ask for your bank account information. Never give this information out through an internet chat.

Trust your gut.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Pay attention to the pay rate you are being offered and compare it to similar jobs in your area. If they offer to pay you $30 an hour to answer phones at home because their office is under construction, let this be a red flag.

Taking Action: What to do if you suspect you've been a victim of fraud

3) Create an identity theft report – This report will help you deal with credit reporting companies, debt collectors and businesses. You can also use the report to get fraudulent information removed from your credit report and can extend the fraud alert on your credit report. More information: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0277-create-identity-theft-report.